Denmark’s F-35 hangars double in price as total project costs rise
https://sputniknews.com/20230324/denmark-accused-of-carelessness-with-taxpayers-money-as-f-35-hangars-double-in-price-1108741067.html
Denmark accused of ‘negligence with taxpayers’ money’ as F-35 hangars double in price
Denmark accused of ‘negligence with taxpayers’ money’ as F-35 hangars double in price
Denmark’s fledgling fleet of 27 F-35s has already become the Nordic nation’s most prized asset, but the associated costs keep mounting.
2023-03-24T06:26+0000
2023-03-24T06:26+0000
2023-03-24T06:26+0000
military
Denmark
Scandinavia
f-35
costs
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The cost of building hangars for Denmark’s new fleet of F-35 fighter jets has been steadily rising, forcing Parliament to pay for the new facilities. With the recent tranche, the 40,000 square meter premises at Skrydstrup Air Base has doubled in price compared to the original plans in 2017. Overall, the total bill for the F-35 hangars is expected to be 1, DKK 35 billion ($200 million). Originally, the facilities should not have cost more than DKK 650 million ($95 million). The Department of Defense Real Estate Agency attributed the rise in costs to “extraordinary” increases in the prices of building materials, while analysts also pointed to stringent and far-reaching security requirements. this must be in place before the United States allows planes to land in Denmark. However, the spending spree has drawn ire from the Danish opposition, including the Red-Green Alliance, which has criticized the expensive project. Party, described the rise as necessary to “sustain” the defense of the nation. The moderates, who are part of the cross-coalition with the social democrats and the liberals, defended the project as “essential”. found themselves in a tight corner and are forced to continue despite the cost. Once they have ordered the planes, they have subscribed to the whole package and must continue, regardless of the price. Previously, the F-35, billed as the new backbone of the Danish Armed Forces, ran into a noise controversy, as the bulkier and heavier fighters recorded noise levels that exceeded both the Army’s own reports and those of their predecessors, the F-16s. Similar issues have plagued other F-35 operators, including fellow Nordic nation of Norway. The Danish Armed Forces has had a long partnership with Lockheed Martin since the early 1950s, fielding a number of its combat aircraft and transport aircraft over the decades. Denmark joined the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program in 2002 during the development and demonstration phase of the system. In June 2016, Denmark confirmed its intention to acquire 27 F-35As. Total lifetime costs associated with Denmark’s new F-35 fleet are estimated at DKK 57 billion ($8.2 billion), making it the country’s largest in history. All 27 fighter jets are expected to arrive on Danish soil by 2026.
https://sputniknews.com/20230215/copenhagen-washington-discuss-us-presence-on-danish-soil-1107447203.html
Denmark
Scandinavia
2023
News
en_GB
f-35 fighter jet, danish armed forces, danish air force, noise levels, ballooning costs
f-35 fighter jet, danish armed forces, danish air force, noise levels, ballooning costs
Not only has Denmark’s fledgling fleet of 27 F-35s already become the Nordic nation’s most prized asset, but the associated costs and related expenses have also increased. However, after saying A, the government has no choice but to say B and continue signing the checks.
The cost of building hangars for Denmark’s new fleet of F-35 fighter jets has been steadily rising, forcing Parliament to pay for the new facilities.
With the recent installment, the 40,000 square meter premises at Skrydstrup Air Base have doubled in price compared to the original 2017 plans.
Overall, the total bill for the F-35 hangars is expected to be 1.35 billion Danish kroner ($200 million). Originally, the facilities should not have cost more than DKK 650 million ($95 million).
The Ministry of Defense real estate agency attributed the rise in costs to “extraordinary” increases in the prices of building materials, while analysts also pointed to strict and far-reaching security requirements that must be in place before the United States does not allow planes to land in Denmark.
However, the spending spree has drawn ire from the Danish opposition, including the Red-Green Alliance, which has criticized the costly project.
“You can’t just come all the time, push the bill and ask for more money. They have to find the money from the project’s own finances,” financial spokesman Pelle Dragsted told Danish media. He also accused the government of “negligence with taxpayers’ money”.
However, others, including the populist Danish People’s Party, described the hike as necessary to “secure the future” of national defence.
The moderates, who were part of the cross-coalition with the social democrats and the liberals, defended the project as “essential”.
Experts have pointed out that the authorities have found themselves in a difficult situation and are obliged to continue despite the cost. Once they have ordered the planes, they have subscribed to the whole package and must continue whatever the price it may cost.
The Danish Armed Forces has had a long partnership with Lockheed Martin since the early 1950s, fielding a number of its combat aircraft and transport aircraft over the decades. Denmark joined the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program in 2002 during the development and demonstration phase of the system. In June 2016, Denmark confirmed its intention to acquire 27 F-35As. Total lifetime costs associated with Denmark’s new F-35 fleet are estimated at DKK 57 billion ($8.2 billion), making it the country’s largest in history. All 27 fighter jets are expected to arrive on Danish soil by 2026.
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